AFDF 2018 Application Guidelines and Instructions

(1)

Asia Foundation Development Fellows - Application Instructions and Guidelines 1

Asia Foundation

Development Fellows

Application Instructions and Guidelines:

Fellowship Year 2018

To apply visit:

www.asiafoundation.org/developmentfellows

Application deadline: Monday, November 20, 2017 at 11:59pm PST

Thank you for your interest in the Asia Foundation Development Fellows program. As the application process is expected to be highly competitive, please follow instructions carefully to ensure that all components are accurate, complete and submitted on time.

APPLICATION SUMMARY

Application must be completed online and consists of the following components:

1. Personal information 2. Written submission

3. Supplementary materials: CV and transcript 4. Video submission

5. (2) Letters of reference (managed online)

In preparation for the application process, please secure the following:

 Your passport information

 An electronic copy of your unofficial transcript (for upload)

 An electronic version of your Resume/CV (for upload)

 A video recording device such as a

(2)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Asia Foundation Development Fellows program provides highly qualified, young professionals from Asia with an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and gain in-depth knowledge of Asia's critical development challenges. The year-long professional advancement program is designed to be a multifaceted experience, involving intensive learning modules – short courses, conferences and study tours in Asia and the U.S. – to enhance leadership skills, Asian development knowledge, professional networks, and international exposure.

The Asia Foundation Development Fellows program is not a full-time fellowship. Fellows will typically remain in their occupations throughout the fellowship year while

participating in the programs modules.

The 2018 program is comprised of the following five components:

Leadership Training Program [South Korea – April 14-21, 2018] – The Leadership Training Program features an intensive one-week course in Seoul in partnership with the Korea Development Institute (KDI) School of Public Policy and Management in South Korea. With the larger objective of enhancing leadership skills and potential, the training focuses on strategic thinking and decision-making, working with participants on developing critical perspectives, solving complicated problems, managing change, and introducing

innovative approaches in leadership and management.

Workshop on Asian Development [Sri Lanka – April 21-29, 2018] – Immediately following the Leadership Training component is a one-week study tour program involving leading development practitioners and thinkers, recognized policy leaders, and academics who will help Fellows explore various approaches that deliver positive impact and advance development knowledge. The workshop is held each year in a different Asian nation, where development challenges and innovations will serve as a contextual backdrop for applying theories and concepts in international development. Previous workshops have taken place in the Philippines, Nepal, Mongolia and Vietnam. The 2018 Workshop will be held in Sri Lanka.

Leadership Dialogue and Exchange [United States – September 16 – October 1, 2018] – Asia Foundation Development Fellows will take part in a leadership dialogue and exchange program in the United States, providing important opportunities to extend personal bonds with their cohort, as well as building new international perspectives and networks of support and inspiration. Over a two-week period, the Fellows will take part in a comprehensive series of programs, policy discussions, and unique learning and leadership development opportunities organized in and around San Francisco, and Washington, DC.

(3)

Mentoring – Building on the regional network and local capacity of The Asia Foundation, the Development Fellows program offers a mentoring component that is tailored around the background and professional interests of the Fellows. The Foundation has valuable perspectives to lend to the field of leadership development, with a proven program history and record of commitment throughout Asia. Fellows will also become part of an active and engaged alumni network.

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Asia Foundation Development Fellows must:

• Have a demonstrable record of high achievement, and must show evidence of outstanding potential for professional advancement and significant impact in their chosen field;

• Have a demonstrable record of experience and accomplishment related to The Asia Foundation’s fields of expertise – governance and law, economic development, women’s empowerment, environment, and regional cooperation;

• Have outstanding personal character and integrity;

• Be thoughtful, committed, respected and inspirational leaders within their professional fields and within their larger community;

• Be under 40 years of age by the time of selection: January 1, 2018;

• Be conversant in English (TOEFL exam results are not required);

• Be available and able to participate in all program components on specified dates, no exceptions;

• Be resident nationals or citizens of the following countries where The Asia Foundation has programs: Afghanistan; Bangladesh; Cambodia; China; India; Indonesia; Japan, Korea; Laos; Malaysia;

Mongolia; Myanmar; Nepal; Pakistan; Philippines; Singapore; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Timor-Leste; and Vietnam.

(4)

ONLINE APPLICATION

Applications for the Asia Foundation Development Fellows program are to be completed online through the WizeHive application system. The system will require you to set up an account so you can save and resume your progress. Letters of reference will also be handled through this online platform and can be completed after you submit your online forms.

Personal Information

You will be asked to provide personal information such as contact details and your educational and

professional background. You will also be asked about your language ability (NOTE: this program does not require standardized exam scores such as TOEFL).

Written Submission

The online application will include essay fields. Each candidate must address the following three prompts: 1. Provide a brief, one-paragraph biography, written in the third-person, which summarizes your

professional background and experiences, expertise, and accomplishments. Please note that this biography may be used in publications or external announcements that provide information on our Fellows. (max 150 words)

2. Describe in greater detail your current social-impact work and focus. Make a strong case as to why you believe this work is important and how it can affect larger change or reform. Feel free to briefly provide some background context or basic information (as you see fit) to describe the problem. (max 300 words)

3. Why should anyone be “led” by you? Given your response to question #2, please state your case as to why you think that you should be a leader in your area of work. What are leadership qualities or outcomes needed to make a difference in your field? What are some illustrative examples that demonstrate your abilities for impact? (max 300 words)

Supplementary Materials

You will be required to upload:

1. An electronic version of your Resume or CV (3 pages max). You may also upload a scanned copy as long as it fits the appropriate file formats.

2. An unofficial copy of your academic transcript from your highest achieved degree program. An English version is highly preferred.

Video Submission

As the Asia Foundation Development Fellows program recognizes the importance of media and the role of technology, applicants are required to create a short, 3-4 minute video. Using a webcam, cell phone or video camera, please record yourself presenting your response to the below:

Prompt: Quickly introduce yourself and your professional background; then:

(5)

You can either (1) upload your video directly to the application system (max size: 600MB) or (2) you may use a video hosting website such as YouTube, Vimeo, or DropBox. If you elect this option, title your video with your full name and adjust your privacy settings to make sure only those with the URL are able to view your video. Every hosted video has a URL or web address which you can copy and paste below. If you wish to password protect your video, please use the following password: fellows2018

IMPORTANT:

 Remember that your video presentation should convey your traits as a leader: ability to capture and hold an audience’s attention; great people skills; and ability to speak with clarity, brevity and structure.

 A strong video takes time and practice, so please plan to devote plenty of time into its preparation.

 Do not waste time on aesthetics such as excessive editing, visual effects, music or other elaborate elements, as they will not factor into the evaluation. Your video should primarily feature you and your ideas.

 Please try to keep the duration under 4 minutes.

 Make sure the size of your video file is not too large (under 600MB). When recording, check your video quality settings. Remember, higher quality video and sound does not necessarily strengthen your application.

 If you are having difficulty due to lack of reliable internet, try first uploading your submission from a different computer or try another location with stronger connection such as an internet café. If you are continuing to experience problems or have other technical difficulties please contact Asia Foundation staff.

LETTERS OF REFERENCE

The Asia Foundation Development Fellows program requires two (2) letters of recommendation from each applicant. Please use online application system to manage and check the status of your recommendations.

References will be contacted directly via the application system. Do not have them submit letters as email attachments.

References should be able to comment on your professional abilities, thematic knowledge, and leadership qualities either within your field or your larger community. We reserve the right to contact your listed references for further information on your candidacy.

NOTE: The recommendation system is applicant led, and is therefore the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that recommendation notifications reach their references, and are completed before the application deadline. If your references do not receive their recommendation requests, please have them contact Asia Foundation staff.

Guidelines for References

References are not required to follow a specific format when drafting their recommendations, however, they must attest to any skills, experience, and professional potential relevant to this program. You may find it useful to forward the below information directly to your references.

References should include in their letter:

(6)

 Their opinion of the applicant’s background, qualifications, accomplishments, and experiences.

 An assessment of the applicant’s leadership abilities and potential.

 How the applicant’s work is relevant to the themes of the Asia Foundation Development Fellows program.

It is strongly recommended that References:

 Draft their letter in the appropriate file format: MS Word Document (.doc, .docx) or Adobe PDF (.pdf).

 Draft their letter on official organizational letterhead, if possible.

 Sign their name, official position, and contact information.

 Refrain from replying to email notification with an attachment. They must follow the web link provided in the email.

SELECTION TIMELINE

November 20, 2017 – Application deadline.

Beginning of January 2018– Selection committee convenes, makes selection among pool of finalists.

Mid January2018– Final selection announced and 2018 Fellowship year commences.

APPLY

(7)

CONTACT

For questions or clarifications on the application process, please contact:

Asia Foundation Development Fellows Staff:

Davey M. Kim Senior Program Officer Tel (direct): 415-743-3389

development.fellows@asiafoundation.org

www.asiafoundation.org

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 193223 San Francisco, CA 94119

Address:

(8)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PROGRAM AND ELIGIBILITY

How many Fellows are selected each year?

The next cohort of Asia Foundation Development Fellows will consist of 12 individuals. The number of Fellows may increase in subsequent years.

Are there specific age requirements?

You must be under 40 years of age by January 1 of the designated Fellowship year. For example, for the 2018 Fellowship year, you must have been born after January 1, 1978.

I am just above the age cutoff. Could you relax the age limit?

Unfortunately, no exceptions can be made with respect to the age requirements.

Is there a degree requirement?

While most qualified candidates will have strong academic backgrounds – bachelors, masters and even PhDs in relevant areas – the program acknowledges that strong leadership potential, relevant professional

experience, and thematic knowledge can be demonstrated without the presence of a formal degree. Therefore at this time, there is no degree requirement for this program. Those who have completed an academic degree program are required to submit an unofficial copy of their transcripts verifying completion of their degree program.

Is there a minimum work experience requirement?

There is no minimum work experience requirement. However, desirable candidates will show excellent track records of at least several years of professional experience and accomplishment in their own disciplines. We seek candidates who can demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and professional competencies, and much of this typically derives from experience in dynamic working environments.

How do I verify my eligibility with respect to the citizenship/nationality requirements?

In general, the program seeks Asian professionals who have a deep familiarity with their respective country or region. For this reason, only citizens or resident nationals of the listed countries, where The Asia Foundation has programs, are eligible to apply. Applicants must be able to provide official documentation proving their citizenship or nationality, ideally in the form of a passport. While we do not require copies of these

(9)

How do you define “resident national?”

A resident national is the equivalent in each Asian country of a "Permanent Resident" in the U.S. (or "Landed Resident" in some countries with a strong British influence). That is, the person is allowed to reside

indefinitely within a country of which he or she is not a citizen. We do not have an exhaustive list of the types of documents needed to prove resident national status. Potential applicants therefore have a small amount of discretion as to whether or not documents in their possession will meet the abovementioned criteria.

However, Asia Foundation staff will ultimately determine if the submitted documents are acceptable.

Applicants should also note that simply meeting the nationality requirements does not necessarily constitute a strong application. Desirable candidates will have extensive histories in the listed countries and will be able to demonstrate a long-term commitment to working within their regional or country contexts.

Am I able to apply if I am currently living, working or studying outside my home country in Asia?

Yes. It is expected that some highly qualified candidates will be pursuing opportunities outside their home countries. Applicants currently living outside of Asia who hold citizenship or resident nationality from the accepted countries of this program are still eligible to apply.

Should I still apply even if I do not have a formal background in development?

Yes. The program welcomes candidates from diverse professional disciplines with demonstrable experience in issues involving Asian development and policy. While Fellows will typically be NGO and civil society leaders, government officials and policymakers, social entrepreneurs, journalists, environmentalists, and academics, we still encourage highly talented and dedicated individuals from other disciplines to apply.

How well do I have to know English for this program?

While the program does not have a formal English proficiency requirement (for example, TOEFL exam results), selected Fellows must have strong enough English language skills to participate in all program components. Much of the program and its content are highly interactive and international in nature. Exceptional languages skills are highly desirable, but they are not a prerequisite for this program.

What is the time commitment? Is this a full-time fellowship?

Participation in the program is not a full-time commitment. The main program components are 1-2 week learning modules which grants the Fellows the flexibility to remain in their current occupations throughout their fellowship year. The program's Professional Development Award also offers greater flexibility for Fellows to design their own custom educational component or project that fits in with their existing commitments.

What if I am accepted to the program but not able to attend?

We ask that you do not apply to this program unless you are absolutely certain you are able to attend the Asia and U.S. training modules and follow through on your Professional Development Award plan during the fellowship year. In the case of an emergency or unforeseeable circumstances that preclude your participation, you must notify staff as soon as possible.

If I applied previously and was not selected, can I apply again?

(10)

Are current employees of The Asia Foundation eligible to apply?

The program is not open to current Foundation staff.

My passport is expired and currently being renewed, but it won’t be ready until after the deadline. May I still apply?

Applicants may still apply by entering information from their expired passport. However, you must have your new valid passport before the final selection or your application will be dropped.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Am I provided funding to participate in this program?

All program expenses are covered, including costs for coursework and programming, airfares and local transportation, lodging and meals, visa fees, and health and accident insurance. Fellows also receive a Professional Development Award of up to US$5,000 for their own personalized professional development plan.

Must I provide any proof or documentation of financial means?

Since virtually all program expenses are covered, we do not require any proof of financial means.

Can this fellowship program help fund my current or future studies?

No. The Asia Foundation Development Fellows program is not a flexible scholarship fund for degree programs or participation in other major academic programs.

Does the fellowship provide income replacement?

The Asia Foundation does not provide any income replacement as Fellows are expected to stay in their current positions throughout their fellowship year.

Does this program support family members?

The program does not provide support for family members and family members may not accompany the Fellows during the Asia and U.S. components.

APPLICATION PROCESS When do I apply?

The application period takes place in the last quarter of the year around October or November.

How are letters of recommendation submitted?

(11)

How many references do I need and whom should I ask to write for me?

The application process requires two (2) letters of recommendation for each applicant. References should be able to comment on your abilities as a thoughtful, committed, respected, and inspirational young leader within your professional field and within your larger community.

May I send my application via global mail or fax?

We do not accept applications or letters of recommendation by global mail or fax. All application components must be submitted electronically.

Will I have to submit documentation of citizenship or nationality?

We do not require these documents during the application process itself, however you will be required to send copies of these documents to verify that you meet the nationality requirements should your application advance further in the selection process.

What are the selection procedures?

All applications are evaluated by Asia Foundation staff at the initial reviewing stages and will be narrowed down to a final selection pool. Thereafter, a selection committee of highly qualified and experienced experts will be charged with evaluating finalists and determining the Asia Foundation Development Fellows.

When are we notified of the final selection?

The final selection will be announced around the beginning of each year.

Do I have any responsibilities after the fellowship year?

All Development Fellows will become part of an active and engaged alumni network – through web and social media platforms, as well as substantive program intersections – that will encourage ongoing collaboration and the sharing of ideas, resources, and support throughout their professional careers.

My online application session has been disrupted. Did I lose all of my progress?

Please contact the Asia Foundation Development Fellows staff and they will be able to assist you in recovering your application information.

I cannot find the Letters of Recommendation form on the online application.

(12)

Have my letters of reference been received?

Please use the "Add or Edit Recommendation Request" menu to manage and check the status of your recommendations. The recommendation system is applicant led, and therefore it is your responsibility to ensure that recommendations are completed before the application deadline.